Wednesday, February 23, 2005 Fast Free Day
Hieromartyr Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna
2nd Vespers 1st & 2nd Discoveries, Head of Forerunner: Malachi 3:1-3, 5-7, 12, 18; 4:4-6 LXX
Epistle: 2 Peter 3:1-18 Gospel: St. Mark 13:24-31
St. Mark 13:24-31, especially vs. 31: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no
means pass away." Today, in a minimum of words, the Lord Jesus sketches the immense epic of the end of the age. His
words, like a Japanese painting, speak only in a few suggestive strokes to sketch a complete scene. The open heart and
mind is allowed to see the end of all things. Some will perceive the vision in exaltation and joy, and others in terror and
anguish (Rev. 1:7). Let us examine four elements in what the Lord describes.
First: the physical universe will be shut down (vss. 24,25). St. John the Theologian describes this final cosmic
consummation by using the figure of a parchment scroll that is rolled up and closed. All that is visible to the physical eye
will be removed from sight and sense (Rev. 6:14). The mind struggles to understand how this could be. But consider how
it was when there was no world nor the immensity of the galactic universe beyond. Can we answer God's question to Job?
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its
measurements? Surely you know! Or Who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or Who
laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7).
Indeed, we were not present for creation. We can only imagine the beginning. Similarly, it is difficult to conceive of total,
universal cataclysm. Most survivors of great earthquakes and floods experience terrible disorientation and horrified
disbelief. The Venerable Bede grasps the bewilderment of facing the end of the world: "What wonder is it that human
beings should be troubled at this judgment, the sight of which makes the very angelic powers tremble?" Beloved of the
Lord, none of us will miss the closing of the scroll. All shall understand the events instantaneously. No one will ask,
"What is happening?" Every knee shall bow (Phil. 2:10).
Second, the spiritual realm in which we are immersed even at this moment will also be shaken (vs. 25). What is this
spiritual realm? In the Creed we say that God created the "visible and the invisible," yet because of spiritual dullness,
mostly we respond just to the stimuli of the physical world. Nevertheless, the spiritual realm also impinges upon us
constantly, out of which devils, Saints, and Angels communicate. This realm also will be shaken. Instantly the souls of all
persons will be visible to all other persons! Everyone will see what is within us, and we shall see the thoughts, ideas, and
desires of all (Rom. 2:16). Who is at ease facing such self-disclosure?
Third, Christ will come in His glory (vs. 26). The partial foreshadowing of the Lord's glory revealed on Mt. Tabor caused
the three disciples to fall down on their faces in terror (Mt. 17:6). His second coming will not be a limited Theophany for a
select few. All shall face the incomprehensible majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ our God. At present we speak of His
glory. Then we shall see Him in unimaginable radiance, with no restraints to dim our vision. Think of it: we shall see Him
Who died on the Cross for our salvation. We shall see Him Who stood in the waters of Jordan to cleanse our sins. We
shall see the print of the nails in hands that flame with uncreated light. To speak like this is madness, yet such is the plain
meaning of His words.
Finally, He tells us He will gather His own to Himself (vs. 27). At the same time, irreversibly and instantly there will be
separation, as when "a shepherd divides His sheep from the goats" (Mt.25:32). Alas, there will indeed be weeping and
gnashing of teeth for some. For others, a gentle hand will brush away all tears and remove every sigh that lingers (Is. 25:8).
O Lord, teach me Thy statutes and regard not the charges against me, that I may be established with Thee in Paradise
where the Choirs of the Saints shine like the stars of heaven.
